Yatilakshan Samucchay Prakaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yatilakshan Samucchay Prakaran" by Rajshekharsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Yatilakshan Samucchay Prakaran (A Collection of the Characteristics of a Jain Ascetic) Author: Nyayavisharad Mahopadhyay Pt. Po. Shri Yashovijayji Ganivarya Translator/Commentator: Pt. Po. Acharya Shri Rajshekhar Suri Maharaj Publisher: Shri Arihant Aradhak Trust Publication Year: V.S. 2055 / V. Vir Samvat 2325 / 1999 CE

Overview:

"Yatilakshan Samucchay Prakaran" is a significant Jain text composed by the renowned scholar and philosopher, Shri Yashovijayji. This work, translated into Gujarati by Acharya Shri Rajshekhar Suri, meticulously describes the qualities and conduct expected of a Jain ascetic (Yati) to guide them on the path to liberation. The book emphasizes the adherence to scriptural injunctions and the cultivation of virtuous conduct as essential for spiritual progress.

Key Themes and Structure:

The text is structured around the concept of seven fundamental characteristics (lakshana) of a true ascetic. These characteristics are elaborated upon through verses (gathas) and detailed explanations, often drawing from or referencing other important Jain scriptures. The book also provides valuable context through a biographical sketch of the author and a detailed table of contents, highlighting the depth and breadth of the discussion.

The Seven Characteristics of a Yati:

The core of the "Yatilakshan Samucchay Prakaran" lies in the detailed exposition of these seven essential qualities:

Marganusari Kriya (मार्गानूसारी क्रिया - Action in Accordance with the Path): This section, spanning from the 6th to the 30th gatha, explains how an ascetic's actions should align with the teachings of the Jinas (Jinvachan). It covers the nature of the spiritual path, proper conduct, the importance of following the Jin's word, and the concept of the "three non-deceivers" (three avanchak). The path is defined as the combination of scripture and practice, reflecting the teachings of the Agamas.
Pradnyapaniyata (प्रज्ञापनीयता - Receptiveness to Wisdom/Instruction): From the 31st to the 44th gatha, this section focuses on the virtue of being receptive to wise counsel and spiritual instruction. It discusses how a guru can impart wisdom, the inability of the unreceptive mind to grasp it, and the four methods of conveying knowledge.
Uttam Shraddha (उत्तमश्रद्धा - Supreme Faith): This extensive section, from the 45th to the 100th gatha, delves into the nature of supreme faith. It details four sub-characteristics:
- Vidhi Seva (विधि सेवा - Service according to prescribed rituals): Emphasizing the importance of performing all religious duties with proper ritualistic adherence.
- Atrupti (अतृप्ति - Dissatisfaction/Unquenchable Desire): The ascetic should never be satisfied with their spiritual practices like study and penance; there should always be a desire for more.
- Shuddha Deshana (शुद्धदेशना - Pure Discourses): Understanding the detrimental consequences of impure teachings, the ascetic must always deliver pure, unadulterated spiritual discourses. This section also covers who can give discourses, to whom, and how.
- Alit Parishuddhi (अलितपरिशुद्धि - Purification of transgressions): The necessity of purifying any lapses or faults committed in the practice of self-restraint.
Kriya mein Apramad (क्रिया में अप्रमाद - Vigilance in Actions): From the 101st to the 111th gatha, this section highlights the importance of constant diligence in all actions. It explains how vigilance breaks the chain of inauspicious karmic consequences, how even failed attempts at breaking negative karmic bonds are not in vain, and discusses the cessation of inauspicious karmic sequences and the principle of non-action.
Shakya Anushthan ka Prarambh (शक्यअनुष्ठान का आरम्भ - Commencement of Feasible Practices): This section, from the 112th to the 119th gatha, stresses the importance of beginning with practices that are within one's capacity. It contrasts the harm caused by attempting impossible practices with the virtue of starting with what is feasible, urging against even the slightest negligence in feasible endeavors.
Uttam Gun Anurag (उत्तम गु.दानुराग - Supreme Love for Virtues): Spanning from the 120th to the 135th gatha, this section describes the profound appreciation for the virtues of others. It explains how cultivating this virtue among ascetics can eliminate animosity and prevent the sustenance of laxity due to community attachment. It also notes the benefit for lay followers who, by understanding and practicing this virtue, can avoid discrimination against worthy ascetics.
Gurva-agya ki Param Aradhana (गुर्वाज्ञा की परमाराधना - Supreme Adherence to the Guru's Command): This is the most extensive section, from the 136th to the 216th gatha. It elaborates on the paramount importance of obeying the Guru's commands. Key topics covered include:
- The Guru's benevolence and the faults of renouncing the Guru.
- The benefits of residing in the Guru's abode (Gurukul).
- The pitfalls of wandering alone after leaving the Guru's abode.
- How obeying the Acharya's word equates to obeying the Tirthankar's word.
- The difference between Gitartha (learned and spiritually realized ascetics) and Gitartha-nishrita (those following Gitarthas).
- The distinctions between Jatakalpa (following the Tirthankar's conduct strictly), Ajatakalpa (those who came before Tirthankaras), Samaptakalpa (completing practices), and Asamaptakalpa (incompleting practices).
- The Tirthankar-like qualities of a Bhavacharya (a spiritual guide who embodies the teachings).
- The types of Acharyas who cause the destruction of the path to liberation.
- The virtues an ideal Guru should possess.
- The importance of not abandoning a Guru who possesses essential virtues, even if they have minor faults.
- The dire consequences of disrespecting the Guru.
- How bad Gurus lead both themselves and their disciples to ruin.
- How even a lax but pure preacher achieves karmic purification and attains easily attainable spiritual insight.
- The three paths to liberation and the three paths to worldly existence.
- Those who disrespect their Guru are considered "Papa-Shramana" (sinful ascetics).
- A disciple, even if spiritually superior, should not disrespect the Guru.
- Even if the Guru has subtle faults, they should not be abandoned.
- The text extensively discusses various principles related to obedience, disciple-teacher relationships, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.

Author's Introduction (Shri Yashovijayji):

The book includes a detailed biographical sketch of the author, Mahopadhya Shri Yashovijayji. It highlights his exceptional intellect, his early mastery of the Bhaktamar Stotra, his rigorous monastic training, and his advanced studies in Kashi and Agra. His profound scholarship earned him titles like "Nyaya Visharad" and "Nyayacharya." The biography also touches upon his fearlessness, his courage in debating and refuting heterodox views, his devotion to Saraswati, his prolific writing career spanning hundreds of texts on various subjects, and his ultimate passing.

Translator's Note (Acharya Shri Rajshekhar Suri):

Acharya Shri Rajshekhar Suri expresses his initial apprehension about translating Yashovijayji's complex Sanskrit works. He attributes the successful completion of this translation to the grace of Lord Parshvanatha of Shankheshwar, his Gurus, and Goddess Saraswati. He acknowledges the contributions of several Munis in preparing the manuscript and gratefully mentions other scripture translations from which passages were quoted. He concludes with a plea for forgiveness for any unintentional errors.

Publisher's Note:

The Arihant Aradhak Trust congratulates Acharya Shri Kundakund Suri for their inspirational efforts in translating and publishing this valuable scripture. They express gratitude to the Tapagachha Uday-Kalyan Jain Shwetambar Murti Pujak Trust for their support.

Overall Significance:

"Yatilakshan Samucchay Prakaran" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain ascetics, outlining the virtues and practices necessary for their spiritual journey. The Gujarati translation by Acharya Shri Rajshekhar Suri makes this profound work accessible to a wider audience, promoting a deeper understanding of the ascetic path within Jainism. The text underscores the vital role of adherence to scripture, the guidance of a Guru, and the cultivation of inner virtues for achieving liberation.